Differential Assembly: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Disassembled view of Ford integral carrier type rear axle assembly w/bolt on type axle retention:

FORD INTEGRAL CARRIER w/BOLT-ON TYPE AXLE RETENTION

This rear axle, Fig. 1, is an integral design hypoid with the center line of the pinion set below the center line of the ring gear. The semi-floating axle shafts are retained in the housing by ball bearings and bearing retainers at axle ends.

The differential is mounted on two opposed tapered roller bearings which are retained in the housing by removable caps. Differential bearing preload and drive gear backlash is adjusted by nuts located behind each differential bearing cup.

The drive pinion assembly is mounted on two opposed tapered roller bearings. Pinion bearing preload is adjusted by a collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft. Pinion and ring gear tooth contact is adjusted by shims between the rear bearing cone and pinion gear.

Fig. 2 Disassembled view of Ford integral carrier type rear axle assembly w/C-lock type axle retention:

Fig. 4 Axle Shaft "C" Locks:

FORD INTEGRAL CARRIER w/C-LOCK TYPE AXLE RETENTION

The gear set, Fig. 2, consist of a ring gear and an overhung drive pinion which is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings. Pinion bearing preload is maintained by a collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft and adjusted by the pinion nut. The differential case is a one piece design with two openings to allow assembly of internal components and lubricant flow. The pinion shaft is retained with a threaded bolt assembled to the case. The differential case is mounted in the carrier between two opposed tapered roller bearings. The bearings are retained in the carrier by removable bearing caps. Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use of shims located between the differential bearing cups and the carrier housing. Axle shafts are held in the housing by C-locks positioned in a slot on the axle shaft splined end, Fig. 3.